7th November 2018 Depart Bluewater , Drive to beautiful Charleston and Horse Carriage Ride.
/We found Hilton Head threatening rain, but until our departure it remained clear of rain but overcast.
Jeanette drove and we stopped for gas in a Bluffton before we departed for our 2 hour drive to Charleston. Rain did come but only in fleeting showers.
The drive was interesting as we traversed the Lowlands, passed the large marine base and airfield with fighters stationed at the ready, then settled for our 75 minutes remaining. A quiet drive with little traffic. We arrived and traffic in front of Doubletree was busy. We will valet park at the hotel here for the 2 nights before we depart for flight to Charlotte and then shortly thereafter to Sky Harbour Phoenix, AZ.Charlotte.
Arrival was at 12.38pm, we checked in, one room was ready, the second will be available at 3.00pm.
The Doubletree by Hilton is in the centre of the historic district and the Horse Carriage rides are directly over the carpark. Opposite the Hotel
Lunch , sandwiches fruit and muffins prepared by Jeanette was in the courtyard of th3 hotel.
Following lunch Ken went and purchased carriage ride tickets for the 3.00pm trip. We are to be back by 2.50pm and our tour will take an hour approximately. The market areas are also only 150 metres away, this is a brilliant location and the hotel is quaint older style. Not sure as to selection of restaurants for this evening. We will defer selection to later.
Charkeston is a unique Southern States city with much history, superb seafood restaurants and architecture to dream of in terms of being preserved and maintained. It also is where the actions and bombardment led to the American Civil War and it as a city was the headquarters of the Confederacy.
It has a stunning history with many homes approximately 300 years old.
This afternoon David and Ken rode the Horse and Carriage and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon traveling down several major and important Historical streets where there are many preserved mansions a period homes.
Our driver and horse named “Chip” took us on an hour tour down toward Battery Point and passed some of the most stunning period homes and mansions. Importantly, we covered some of the most important period residences and other administrative buildings.
Following our fascinating carriage ride through this wonderful city, David and Ken went to enjoy a beer at the Irish pub. We enjoyed couple of beers and during this process Ken met a chap who is a professional golf caddy. We talked for about 10 minutes, he caddies for Steve Stricher, Jonathan Bird and another one or two professional players.
We dined tonight at Henry’s a renowned Jazz and Drink spot, close to a pub. An enjoyable meal of chowder, fish platter and grits etc. This was at Henry’s which is a jazz club. An enjoyable meal, excellent service . A good evening.
A short walk back to the beautiful Old Doubletree by Hilton and we all felt that we had enjoyed an excellent day. Jeanette also found some earrings which she will receive for her forthcoming birthday.
David also thoroughly enjoyed his day.
Charleston is a city which you can keep coming back to. We love the city, admire the friendly people and caring service. A joy to visit in every way. The Double tree is in the most ideal central location on the edge of the markets, within easy walking distance of the key properties.